News Release

Monday, February 16, 2004

Gun Fire Erupt At A Denny's Parking Lot

Los Angeles: On Monday, February 16, 2004, at about 2:50 a.m., Hollywood patrol officers responded to a radio call of "shots fired" in the 6100 block of Sunset Boulevard. The officers arrived at Denny’s Restaurant parking lot and found evidence of a shooting, but no victim. A short time later, a shooting victim, driven by his friends, was located in the 7100 block of Sunset Boulevard. The paramedics came and took the victim to a local hospital where he died of his injuries.

During the investigation, a second victim was driven and dropped off by friends at a different hospital, and admitted for multiple gunshots. He is listed in serious condition.

Hollywood Detectives believed that an exchange of gunfire erupted between two separate groups of people in the parking lot. At this time, both victim’s friends, have been unwilling to provide any information related to the shooting.

The deceased victim has been identified as Fredrick Gaines, 29 years old, a resident of Pittsburg, California. The identity of the victim listed in critical condition is being withheld to protect the integrity of the investigation. Due to the victim’s condition, detectives have not been able to interview him.

The motive of the shooting has not been determined and there are no suspect (s) descriptions.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to call the Hollywood Homicide Detectives, at 213-485-6410 or the Hollywood Area Tip Line, at 213-485-9168. On weekends and during off-hours, please contact the 24 hour toll free number at the Detective Information Desk, at 1-877-LAWFULL (1-877-529-3855).

The news release was prepared by Public Information Officer April Harding, Media Relations Section, at 213-485-3586